3 Easy Ways to Beat a Defenceman 1-on-1

Make beating a defender truly easy. Charge and take the puck wide, tuck to the middle of the ice or execute a stop and cut, all three of these simple ways of beating the opposition are taught in this video tutorial. Check out the FULL library of Offensive + Defensive Skill Tutorial videos today at iTrainHockey.com
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- Sean Walker
iTrain Hockey
@iTrainHockey
@SeanWalks

[@187onacop9]

The Sabres should have this on a loop in dressing room...

[@alexanderkillips3121]

LMFAO

[@LeonardZhangTakeTheL]

true

[@Dane233]

And the Flyer's are trying to reverse engineering it

[@maxkady9478]

Nothing could help that forsaken team.

[@TheRealLulZ91]

Lmao

[@noka5778]

As an experienced defenseman….first move in slo mo his head is down the entire sequence until he goes around the motionless pucks… a nice timed hip check would be in order there… Will look at second move

[@tangghy]

I've played without much coaching over the years and solely play D. As a fast skater in my beer league these last 2 years, I've been trying to figure out how to score or make good passes when I jump up and get 1-on-1 opportunities. This is a really great tutorial, can't wait to get back on the ice to try and practice these moves!

[@sheltr9735]

Can we just stop to appreciate the fact that hockey leagues are back in action...??? As down as Covid gets us (even now), we can at least go the arena once again, and believe (pretend?) that we're pretty good hockey players.

[@tonyanimal1]

3 great moves that will bring a young players game to the next level!

[@danlrusso]

In my opinion, it is never "easy" to beat a good defenseman...that being said, your techniques will tend to be your best tactics with the highest probabilities...however, a really talented defenseman in a 1-on-1 situation will ALWAYS focus on your chest and NEVER on the puck so his objective is to first give the opponent the outside lanes by the boards by skating backwards in the middle...that gives his goalie the best opportunity to play the angles...then, when the opponent chooses a side because he's forced to, the defenseman's job is to separate him from the puck...the defenseman completely forgets about the puck, ties up the opponent, and lets the goalie or a backchecker pick up the puck...I enjoyed playing defense for more than 20 years

[@osimnod]

Brad Park: Play the man, not the puck.

[@LeonardZhangTakeTheL]

true

[@swas5004]

Hehe 69 likes

[@jasonrekker4328]

@Freddy Eriksson I think part of the reason you don't see guys commit to taking the body is because the skating these days is so elevated, guys are so agile and are doing incredible things on their edges that makes evasion more likely and a commitment to a hit more risky. With holds and stickwork being called much more now than in Scott Stevens' day, you're not going to be able to clutch & grab a guy if you step up on him and he slips off you. Statistically it is better to contain the player and reduce his options. There's a reason the pros play this way. That's my take, anyway.

[@sheltr9735]

@@swas5004 Hee hee! 96 likes!

[@chris-hu7tm]

I just saw a video explaining easy ways to beat a center/winger...It cant be easy both ways, if so then everyone would be great cuz its easy

[@lousarmento1127]

To be able to have that much balance and edge control at such a high speed level is , to me , nothing short of incredible.

[@thefallingguy8438]

Ong id get beat every time

[@julioquintana4996]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Very helpful!

[@TerrysTwigReviews]

I will use some of these tips. Thanks a lot!

[@shawnoconnell7945]

Those stationary pucks never stood a chance.

[@sirsalad3772]

😭💀

[@funkynelg]

Exactly. A defenceman might have helped.

[@user-tz2qk1om1y]

I play hockey every day and night and I love your videos!

[@Monscent]

He really is doing something very different in real speed compared to what he describes beforehand.

[@asdfkhieee]

It's about feel not real. Thats how it works in golf at least. You feel like you're swing it way inside, then look at the video and you're not even close to an inside swing. I'm guessing it's the same here.

[@DeerHunterFanTV]

Great hands and skating

[@user-tz2qk1om1y]

Very helpful and thank you

[@TheShadowBehindU]

I like the way he puts the move in slow motion.

[@LeonardZhangTakeTheL]

mhm

[@Ceppi27]

you are very good ! I'm learning a lot from you, unfortunately I'm not young anymore😅

[@user-mz1iw3gv4e]

Age is nothing ~ I am a Chinese ~ I am in tianjin ~53 years old ~ or never tired of it：D

[@Ceppi27]

@@user-mz1iw3gv4e you're right! I always have fun even now, but unfortunately the body is no longer what it used to be😅 🏒👍

[@alinamorozova3267]

First 2 he says you should show that you’re going in another direction first but when it comes to demonstrations he just rushing wide :)

[@motogig7803]

You are very fast. I noticed in these scenarios that the poke check is expected. If the defenseman is focusing on the puck rather then the body you are right you will beat him. Also a defenseman should always be moving and not be flat footed. A defenseman should be one of the smartest players due to the fact of so many calculations have to be made in micro seconds. I enjoyed this video. Hopefully some young defensemen watched as well to pick up on these moves.

[@tauraizamchiya2797]

For all the young player out there... Notice how he keeps his legs moving. 9 time out of 10 the D-man will be coasting, so if you keep your legs moving and you really turn on the jets you will almost always beat the defensemen.

[@breazy7292]

Ok thanks

[@gbiedron08]

Love the outdoor rink - need more of these in the US. Great video to get kids working on the fundamentals. Gotta start somewhere and this video is a good first step!

[@DriversofOttawa]

These refrigerated outdoor rinks only work below 7C (44.5F)

[@baldguysquattinginthedark4567]

USA suck at hockey

[@tektoneng]

Stick dekes, head fakes, etc…. Your center of gravity never lies. Any competent D-man watches your sternum and controls the angle… wide shots are very low probability shots and cutting back towards center ice sets up a stick sweep or body bump 😁

[@jsmakeitso]

you are a freight train! learning a lot

[@cafersas]

Thank you for the video, for a newbie like me all this theory and exercises are great to follow. One thing ,where can I buy a pair of pants like those that you use in your videos. Thank you again.

[@avasage6461]

Basically any sorta store is good I think. They are like an almost better quality then plastic material cold to the touch. Lots of people call them hockey pants but idk

[@avasage6461]

@@danbuckner8364 wow thank you very much that was super helpful! Good to know.

[@alexmclean8975]

What about getting the puck between the Dmans stick and skates. I found that easier and more successful than the last 2 options. Even if the Dman tries to body you, you're only a poke through or around the skates away from a separation if the Dman doesn't have you lined up in his chest. Tavares does that almost every game.

[@EPBREAKS]

I would say that is better if you are a good dangler the ones that he showed would be better if you are a faster skater

[@Scorpio64215]

As a forward, I'd always attack from the middle of the ice...when the situation allowed me to. That way, I could draw the defenseman with me to either side. Then I'd look to attack the net, or look for my trailer coming down the slot. He seems to attack from the wing, which makes him more predictable to an experienced defenseman.

[@unplugged123]

it would have been more helpful to have a dman in the video to see how the move will get him to react and go around him exactly..

[@ICanDriveCanYou]

I had a question about option 2, the forehand tuck. Let's say the defensemen doesn't bite for the pokecheck, effectively taking away the tuck back to the middle. What's the best way to power wide in the situation where you now have the puck far out in front of you without losing control of it?

[@tkoze]

Top hand should be up and back when you go to the forehand. The reason being you can pass or shoot out of the turn or escape. While tucking the hands under may yield a tighter turn, you're more susceptible to losing the puck, and if you don't you've got to make a move to get the hands free before you pass or shoot

[@jamesgu1352]

Nice 🎉

[@justinpoovathingal]

great one coach

[@signal9781]

kinda fruity

[@justinpoovathingal]

@@signal9781 Caught in 4j

[@robdieselgaming2805]

With the throwback stick.

[@jordanlebow9105]

Nice video! Is that rink open to the public??

[@m12-94]

It was up for a season a couple years ago but not since. Must have been expensive to keep up - I played it a couple of times and no matter how cold it was, the sun reflecting off the boards always caused a melt along the edges of it.

[@tommygunraw_6566]

Ha! jokes on you. I'm a defenseman and I use these to get out of my zone :D

[@royalshockey8046]

For option three y ou really have to have some sharp skates

[@user-uv5mi1ku7e]

It’s always amazing watching these videos, knowing the instructor is a nobody.

[@chop3625]

Certainly made a fool out of those two pucks, including the open net.

[@grahamchan4266]

Can't wait to school these dudes in division 8 beer league. Thanks!!!!

[@kokanee2010a]

going back to the basics , it is always going to be how well you skate . speed and agility counts so does body positioning a good defensemen will always make you commit first then they can put the body into the puck carrier eliminating him or seperating him from the puck . you have a tendency to drop your head too much so a good defenseman knows you are not looking for an option to pass the puck . he knows you are looking to get into a prime scoring area , again if he cant eliminate you from the puck he is going to make you go to the outsdie and if he is faster than you , you will end up eating the puck in the corner . When i was a kid our coach put our best skaters on defense that is when they decided to get me to put a 7 foot radius on my rocker to give me more agility . i can make up the speed with my foot speed , the longer the blade the less effort there is to create speed , the proof is in the blade length on speed skates . but you have no agility with them you have to do more cross overs with speed skates . in hockey there is no faster way to change directions than a toe loop . it is also good to teach defensemen that they have 3 blades to defend with on the ice . a good drill is to have them work the puck with their feet without the use of a stick . you wont be useless if your opponant ties up your stick since you can still move the puck with your feet like soccer . some players have all the tools but no tool box which is the reason that some say a person cant play the game properly because they cannot think the game .

[@theguywithone]

My hockey coach taught us to always watch the hips as they are the last thing to leave toward the direction of player's going

[@nickgritz1188]

All great moves...until you meet an experienced defenseman that understands speed , space , and closing the gap.

[@jasonrekker4328]

As in any case, the attacker must always execute better than the defender. That's what makes it challenging and fun!

[@schmoe1211]

Yup, just watch your opponents eyes, keep the distance close, as soon as those eyes look at the puck you step up, even getting a small piece of your opponent should throw them off the puck or at least give you time.

[@davstrak1299]

🙄

[@joegiordano2212]

Yeah, that’s why the Gretzky turn is so valuable. If you can see the defense is strong you can pull a turn and look for a pass or come back in on a new angle with more speed. Just watch out for the backcheckers.

[@kudohlol9379]

Haha he does say basic deeks

[@devinwheat7390]

These are great moves to beat a forward in the neutral zone for sure, but a good defenseman will pay no attention to the puck and watch your chest and eyes. Keep you to the outside and play the angle. No check league makes defense a little more difficult since it takes a tool out of the toolbox.

[@gamingwithflaws2932]

I am defence man and watching this so they cant beat me

[@Nunzman19]

2:47 is a good way to wind up disabled coming across the wrong fellow.

[@jasonrekker4328]

Yeah if you're playing head down in contact league.

[@Nunzman19]

@Mr. MG you never want to completely open yourself up to someone and go across the grain. You're going to wind up sipping through a straw or like you said a knee replacement!

[@chadvancoillie1981]

@@Nunzman19 I agree you would get laid out for sure on that break to the center of the ice, I’ve lived it!

[@sammykeepers1813]

Ya for shour I’m that’s one of the reasons I like just going forhand backhand and cutting one side and protecting the puck

[@tomaslarsen4120]

But what do you do when the defenceman is alive and follow your movement until he finally sticks out his but and shoots you into the boards?

[@samc1568]

How there is ice when its not even cold is the real miracle here

[@scottbond5906]

There’s no weight shifts in the opposite direction to get the defender to lean in the direction of the shift or move his stick. Looks good with a pair of pucks but your demonstration does not translate to game situations with a live defender. Nice rink though, that’s awesome.

[@dallasbiggz7007]

That first move looks like you're serving your chest up on a platter for the D. As a D-man, I would love that. Your transition is my cue to plant my shoulder in your chest. Given the position of your feet, looks like you should go flying pretty nicely.

[@kevinfeder157]

Why is there a hockey rink in the middle if the interstate system?

[@mulle171]

where is this ? calgary ?

[@itrainhockey]

Toronto - it’s called Canoe Landing :)

[@karlbork6039]

When you make the move you have to really motor for separation.

[@danbuckner8364]

Exactly. As a defenseman, the people who got around me got me to bite, but then also really put on the jets and powered to one side, either for a pass to the slot, or if I fucked up bad enough, a move on the goalie. A move without speed is just an opportunity for me to poke check you or line you up for the body.

[@gooddognigel9992]

Scott Stevens is licking his chops

[@clownconyo8126]

This rink is so filthy

[@finessekidd.5534]

Taking notes as a dman

[@davianmikelson9282]

Does anyone know what rink this is? I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere in Toronto I want to go to it

[@itrainhockey]

Hey brother, this video was taken two years ago in Toronto at Canoe Landing - near city place. Still a cool spot to check out, the whole area is turfed :)

[@davianmikelson9282]

@@itrainhockey sweet thanks

[@jasonrekker4328]

@@itrainhockey I was going to say, this must be an older vid as we haven't had cold enough weather yet! Unless that pad has pipes...?

[@ihorkryvoshein8458]

Praha. Все понимаю без перевода... 58 лет. Хоккей моё хобби

[@danielgamper3547]

But the thing is every time I do the third one he gets the poke check still soooooo ye I don’t know

[@larry309]

When I played defense I played the body, not the puck

[@christrudell7966]

I usually just spear them in the groin then go around them. But that's just me. And I'm kidding 😂

[@galehess6676]

yeah. first rule of offense is keep the stick at nuts level

[@mnhockeyfan]

I stared at the "c" in defencemen for a few seconds before clicking

[@Scwoopdy]

Lol

[@miguelpanta]

i am playing tennis and i am totally confused what is foregand and what is backhand in hockey.

[@somedude0]

Forehand is the concave side of the blade, and the backhand is the convex side.

[@shadow_crne1030]

Bring it on, if you can........ I'm waiting.

[@seancurtin8084]

Hello Sean - Curious, I was told everyone player in Canada is taught to stick handle lefty is that true, becuase in all the videos i see 95 percent of the players and coaches are all lefty, what gives?

[@CB_ChaosLove]

Definitely not taught to use a stick on either side. Generally everyone has had some experience at home before they meet a coach, maybe use dad's or an older siblings sticks. Literally kids will be asked which side feels more comfortable. Same with baseball for me.

[@brentod1679]

This guy has to teach the Sabres how to hold a stick haha

[@ert7049]

I am a defence man watching this

[@itrainhockey]

What do you think?

[@ert7049]

@iTrain Hockey I think it’s good advice

[@legunar4985]

No way that just a regular amateur without skating skills from the past can do any of this moves.

[@jameson1239]

No shit this is meant for the younger kids in leagues

[@RAM9119]

Last one wouldnt work in a game.. stopping and turning around to face your own end.. if theres a backchecker coming at you, you will be flattened!!!!

[@Pyrrho66]

"easy"....umm, I couldn't do that with just my legs, no stick, no puck, no ice. I dream of even being 1/100th as good of a skater as you are.

[@wyz1]

Territory

[@colbornfarms4849]

No such thing as easy except no defense and open net

[@formularacer908]

the poor sam people who deal with the cuts in the ice

[@greathoonta3461]

The only real way to beat a defenceman no matter the skill most of the time is to change direction quickly, backwards skating means if you begin to beat them they need to turn to catch you.

[@mcdonaldsbro__2]

k well, there is a big difference between a big moving defenseman and two pucks....

[@t.onleee9029]

defensemen watching this rn 0_0

[@royalshockey8046]

Lol literally me I’m taking notes

[@MrRegularAmerican]

The defenseman should not even look at the puck, he should just take you out

[@ihorkryvoshein8458]

Хорошо что на мою левую сторону играет. Легче врубиться

[@liammonaghan4785]

what were those shots tho

[@PFM007]

Pucks and cones don’t move. In first instance D would have closed your lane easily.

[@coonnaarr1984]

How are you not getting absolutely murdered on the first “deke”

[@TheSInSurfer]

Wow! If Walker beats you to the inside you're dead meat. He and most skilled forwards are money with that move. I wonder if it makes sense to maybe cheat inside and force Walker to go outside then close down on the body?

[@danbuckner8364]

With those first two moves, yeah, if he gets you to bite and can then power around you... hope you have a good goalie. The third move though, where he stops and makes a V? I mean c'mon, that will only ever work against pylons in beer league.

[@kevinjoyce348]

I don’t mean to be a clown but Im not sering the crossovers

[@jackneeser2053]

No head or body fakes what so ever in the full speed

[@noka5778]

Second move… man… try to keep your feet moving as you do your silly moves… as soon as you stop skating you are telegraphing that your move is coming… wow

[@lightningshock4378]

Defenceman is supposed to be spelled defenseman

[@somedude0]

Unless you're in a country that spells it that way, like, say, Canada.

[@lightningshock4378]

@@somedude0 I did not know that lol

[@liamw3689]

you need to fix ur sock tuck before i take any advice from you.

[@chevelle1]

All skating and skills coaches have that same wide, exaggerated stance. Never seen an NHL player skate like that.

[@flitsplik5750]

This isent gonna work

[@brass1410]

It is not easy at all

[@Sweatynuts3812]

These work in beer league buddy?

[@streathamrexes3001]

cant lie, this is never going to work :(

[@Itzdxddy23]

Ur such a try hard HAHA IM JUST JOKING

[@ehck4life]

Wäre nur noch gut wenn es deutsch wäre

[@morgandaly2651]

these aren’t gonna work